Best Sunnyvale to Raleigh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Sunnyvale to Raleigh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,833 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Sunnyvale to Raleigh moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Sunnyvale compared to Raleigh. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Sunnyvale to Raleigh Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2D&L Movers9.349.36ActiveContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
5White Red Moving & Storage9.089.34Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Sunnyvale to Raleigh

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,833 miles from Sunnyvale, CA to Raleigh, NC will cost on average $4,190 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Sunnyvale to Raleigh move is roughly $10,133. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,809300 ft³9.36
1 Bedroom$4,190450 ft³9.31
2 Bedrooms$6,946750 ft³9.26
3 Bedrooms$10,1331100 ft³9.21
4 Bedrooms$14,6591600 ft³9.16
5+ Bedrooms$16,4021800 ft³9.11
*Please note: These California to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & North Carolina. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Sunnyvale guide.

Compare the 5 Best Sunnyvale to Raleigh Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
2
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
White Red Moving & Storage Logo

White Red Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.08/10
based on 550+ data points

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About White Red Moving & Storage

Based in Sunnyvale, California, White Red Moving & Storage has been providing local and long-distance moving services since 2010. As a...

Services

  • Local Moving Service
  • Long Distance Moving Service
  • Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3707629 / 1299933

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

When you're moving from one city to another, getting to know your new surroundings can be a daunting task. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline. In this guide, we’ll compare popular neighborhoods in Sunnyvale, CA with Raleigh, NC, aiming to find their closest matches. This way, you can find a new home that feels just right.

SunnyvaleRaleighHow They're Similar
Sunnyvale WestCameron Villagevibrant shopping & dining scene
Heritage DistrictOakwoodhistoric homes and charming streets
Ponderosa ParkNorth Hillsmixed-use development, community events
BirdlandFive Pointseclectic food scene, historic vibe
Lakewood VillageBoylan Heightsartistic community, great views
SnailGlenwood Southlively nightlife, trendy apartments
Cherry ChaseStonehengefamily-friendly with ample green space
OrtegaMidtown Raleighshopping, dining, and parks
Sunnyvale EastWakefield Plantationgolf community, luxurious homes
Sunnyvale SouthBrier Creekconvenient location, modern amenities

If you're moving from the historical charm of Sunnyvale's Heritage District, you'll find a similar sense of history and community in Raleigh's Oakwood neighborhood. Here, you can stroll down streets lined with beautiful Victorian homes, much like those in Sunnyvale. Meanwhile, Cameron Village will remind Sunnyvale West residents of home with its bustling shopping and dining scene, offering everything from boutique stores to gourmet eateries. For those who enjoy the active outdoor and social life of Ponderosa Park, North Hills in Raleigh provides an eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants, and frequent community events against a backdrop of innovative, mixed-use development. Each Raleigh neighborhood brings its unique flavor yet preserves the essence of what you loved about your Sunnyvale home, from Boylan Heights' panoramic views and artistic spirit to Glenwood South's vibrant nightlife and trendy living spaces.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Sunnyvale to Raleigh

Making a big move comes with its set of challenges and excitement. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection from Sunnyvale, CA to Raleigh, NC, highlighting the good and the bad. By examining both sides, you can make an informed decision about this significant life change.

CONs
PROs
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • High Cost of Living
  • Heavy Traffic
  • Fewer Green Spaces
  • Competitive Job Market
  • Dense Population
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Lighter Traffic
  • More Parks
  • Growing Job Opportunities
  • Spacious Living Areas
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Less Tech Presence
  • Hotter Summers
  • Smaller Diversity Ratio
  • Fewer Global Cuisines
  • Away from Major Tech Centers
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • Tech Hub
  • Mild Winters
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Excellent Dining Options
  • Close to Silicon Valley

Moving from the bustling streets of Sunnyvale to Raleigh's laid-back charm offers a stark contrast in lifestyle. In Sunnyvale, dining spots like Dishdash pamper your palate with Middle-Eastern flavors, while Raleigh's Brewery Bhavana blends unique brews, dim sum, and books for a serene escape. The switch means trading bustling tech hubs like Silicon Valley for Raleigh’s rapidly growing tech scene, supported by its proximity to the Research Triangle Park. You'll find Raleigh's Pullen Park and William B. Umstead State Park inviting for weekend retreats, a shift from Sunnyvale’s more urban landscape. Embracing the change can mean discovering a love for Raleigh’s seasonal festivities and a community spirit that welcomes newcomers with open arms.

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Food Guide

Food is an integral aspect of experiencing local culture and understanding what life is like in a new area. With this in mind, we're embarking on a delicious journey to compare the local cuisine between Sunnyvale, CA & Raleigh, NC so you can get a taste of what awaits you in your new home.

SunnyvaleRaleigh
Most iconic local food itemArtisan SourdoughNorth Carolina BBQ
Most popular meat dishBBQ RibsPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Dishdash
  • Falafel STOP
  • Picnic Table Cafe
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
  • Boylan Bridge Brewpub
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Sunnyvale, the artisan sourdough is a testament to the city's love for finely crafted bakery goods, often found in markets around Murphy Avenue. Conversely, Raleigh's food scene is deeply rooted in traditional Southern flavors, with North Carolina BBQ reigning supreme as the iconic local food. This pulled pork delight can be savored in the historic neighborhoods of Oakwood and Five Points. Sunnyvale's vibrant dining scene includes gems like Falafel STOP, reflecting the diverse culinary influences from around the world, while Raleigh's Brewery Bhavana, a unique brewery and dim sum restaurant, showcases the city's innovative and evolving food scene. Both cities offer a varied and rich culinary culture that will undoubtedly excite your taste buds.

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, discovering a new favorite dining spot can make a new city feel like home. This guide is purposefully crafted to ease your transition from Sunnyvale to Raleigh by comparing the top restaurants. Find a match for your beloved Sunnyvale eateries in Raleigh, and start feeling at home right away.

SunnyvaleRaleighWhat You'll Love
DishdashNeomonde MediterraneanAuthentic Mediterranean cuisine and ambiance
SumikaSono SushiHigh quality, traditional Japanese dishes with modern twists
Murphy's LawThe Raleigh TimesDiverse beer selection and pub fare, historic setting
Falafel STOPSassoolQuick, healthy Mediterranean meals perfect for any time
Philz CoffeeBREW Coffee BarFocused on crafting the perfect cup with local charm
Madras CafeChhote'sOffers traditional and modern Indian street food in a casual setting
Lion & CompassSecond EmpireFine dining in a historic atmosphere, contemporary cuisine
Hobee'sFlying Biscuit CaféKnown for breakfast all day, comfort food with a twist
Armadillo Willy's BBQThe PitAuthentic barbecue in a lively, welcoming environment
Peking Duck RestaurantFive SpiceDelivers authentic Chinese dishes, including Peking Duck

Exploring Raleigh's dining scene reveals more than just similarities; it uncovers the city's diverse culinary landscape. At Neomonde Mediterranean, you'll discover a taste of authenticity and tradition, much like Sunnyvale's Dishdash, making it a must-visit for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Sono Sushi elevates Japanese dining with its innovative approach, reminiscent of Sumika's excellence. Meanwhile, The Pit offers a deeply authentic North Carolina barbecue experience that resonates with the homey feel of Armadillo Willy's BBQ in Sunnyvale. Each Raleigh restaurant brings its unique charm, providing new favorites that echo the cherished flavors of your former Sunnyvale haunts.

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Ready to start your move?

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a pivotal role in relocation decisions. Understanding how Sunnyvale, CA and Raleigh, NC housing markets compare in terms of cost, architectural styles, and livability can greatly influence your moving process.

ComparisonSunnyvaleRaleigh
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Mid-CenturyColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to tech companies, solar panelsLarge yards, community amenities

When moving from Sunnyvale to Raleigh, you'll notice a significant difference in housing costs. Sunnyvale’s housing market is much more expensive due to its proximity to major tech companies and Silicon Valley. However, Raleigh offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a notable architectural shift towards Colonial and Craftsman styles, reflecting its rich historical background. Though walkability in Raleigh is lower, its affordable housing and community-focused amenities make it an attractive option for many. Embracing Raleigh’s lifestyle means enjoying spacious living with a touch of Southern charm, significantly different from Sunnyvale's modern, fast-paced environment.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.

2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.

3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to consider various changes, including weather conditions. Understanding how the weather in Sunnyvale, CA, compares to Raleigh, NC, helps you anticipate what to expect and how to prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
81°F / 57°F

Sunnyvale, CA

89°F / 68°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 42°F

Sunnyvale, CA

50°F / 31°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.9

Sunnyvale, CA

43

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Sunnyvale, CA

4

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSunnyvaleRaleigh
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, DroughtsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Sunnyvale enjoys a mild climate year-round with high levels of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities, Raleigh presents a more varied humid subtropical climate, leading to hot summers and mild winters. Importantly, you'll find Raleigh experiences a higher average of annual rainfall and occasional snowfall, unlike Sunnyvale. Those moving to Raleigh from Sunnyvale should prepare for more diverse weather patterns, including the potential for hurricanes and more prominent seasonal allergies due to higher vegetation density and humidity. Adjusting your wardrobe and perhaps your home's heating and cooling systems will be necessary to adapt comfortably to Raleigh's climate.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Sunnyvale to Raleigh

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. A comparison between Sunnyvale, CA, and Raleigh, NC regarding costs and financial opportunities can help you adjust your budget and expectations accordingly. This chart offers a glimpse into how each city stacks up in terms of money and finance , setting the stage for a smoother transition.

ComparisonSunnyvaleRaleigh
Avg. Household Income$156,059$74,612
Cost of Living Index136.498.2
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.790.84
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, RetailTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceVery HighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLower

Comparing Sunnyvale to Raleigh reveals significant differences across various financial metrics. Sunnyvale's average household income nearly doubles that of Raleigh, reflecting the high concentration of technology jobs and the overall affluence of the area. However, this comes with a significantly higher cost of living, evidenced by Sunnyvale's cost of living index. Taxes also vary notably; while Sunnyvale residents face some of the highest state income taxes in the U.S., Raleigh offers a more moderate tax rate, making it financially friendlier for many. These insights underscore the importance of considering not just income but also the cost of living and taxation when planning your move.

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

Preparing for a move from Sunnyvale, CA, to Raleigh, NC, involves more than just packing boxes. Understanding the local dynamics can help ease the transition. This comparison gives a quick glance at the political and religious makeup between Sunnyvale & Raleigh , providing insight into the communities you'll be joining or leaving behind.

SunnyvaleRaleigh
Political Make-upLiberalModerately Liberal/Conservative Mix
Local PoliticsDemocratically led City CouncilDemocratically led City Council
ReligionDiverse; no dominant religionChristianity dominant, followed by other faiths

In both Sunnyvale and Raleigh, the city councils are democratically led, reflecting an engaged and politically active population in local governance. However, Sunnyvale tends to lean more liberal in its political makeup, while Raleigh presents a more mixed political environment, where liberal and conservative views contribute to the city's politics. Religious diversity marks both cities, with Sunnyvale hosting a wide array of beliefs without a single dominant religion and Raleigh showing a strong Christian presence complemented by other faiths. Understanding these nuances offers a window into the cultural and social fabric of your new home, facilitating a smoother acclimation process.

Sunnyvale vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When moving from Sunnyvale, CA to Raleigh, NC, it's important to better understand the differences in the daily commute and traffic. This guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Sunnyvale & Raleigh, to help you adapt to your new environment seamlessly.

ComparisonSunnyvaleRaleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2524
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

In Sunnyvale, despite a relatively high traffic congestion score, the availability and efficiency of public transit systems partially mitigate the daily commute challenges. You might find it challenging, but manageable, to get around without a car due to options like the Caltrain and various bus services. On the other hand, Raleigh offers a more relaxed driving experience with less congestion, though the city scores lower on public transit availability, making it more difficult to rely solely on public transportation. Understanding these differences can help you plan your daily commutes better and decide whether owning a car is necessary for your lifestyle in your new city.

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